Shapes of Pearls
There are symmetrical spherical Pearls, semi-spherical Pearls, drop or pear-shaped Pearls, Oval Pearls, biscuit Pearls and ringed or bump-bell Pearls. All this diversity illustrates the shapes of Pearls.
But there is a form called "Baroque." It's usually a Pearl of irregular shape. Baroque Pearls are split into five more types according to their forms. They are Nuggets, Rose or Strawberry Pearls, Turtle-back, Wing or Hinge Pearls and the so-called Slugs. Despite the widespread opinion on the subject of value of Pearls, a Pearl of symmetric shape and big size could cost nothing compared to a Baroque Pearl of brilliant shine and marvelous luster.
Color of the Pearls
Pearls also differ in their colors. That is another quality affecting their value. There is an opinion that Pearls of the black color is the most valuable. But this statement is correct only thanks to their rarity, not because of their color.
Usually, the color Pearls depends on the shell from whence we obtain it. But frequently the colored Pearls exist in the same shell together with the white one. As a rule, the color of Pearls is the subject of one's taste than a real indicator of its value.
Luster of Pearls
The luster of a Pearl is a significant factor to define its value and quality. This indicator allows us to determine the environment where a Pearl grew up, informs us concerning a health of the oyster, shows us the intensity of nacre as well. It also defines the quality of layers that formed a Pearl. A Pearl of excellent luster reflects the objects and reproduces the landscapes. At the same time, the specimen of inferior brilliance reflects few rays and looks not so impressive, as a result.
Size of a Pearl
The size does matters, especially when it comes to gems. But as for a Pearl, it is not the most valuable feature. The symmetric shape and brilliance give a Pearl of a small size big price. The size depends primarily on the age of the shell. A pearl of huge size is rare, therefore, is expensive. But Pearls of a big size rarely is of symmetric shape. As a result, the big specimens are the subjects of collecting.
Quality of Surface
The Pearls free of any defects are rare. Therefore, these specimens are usually meet in jewelry of high class. But any surface even of excellent quality has flaws at least minor. On the other hand, these flaws show that this Pearls of natural origin and thus isn't a fake.